Give Me Shelter

It’s hard to believe that just over a year ago, the world watched in horror as Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast . Like a lot of animal lovers, I was riveted to my television screen with tears pouring down my face as I witnessed animals being left to fend for themselves while their guardians were whisked away to safety. I can’t begin to imagine what must have been going through the evacuees’ minds as they turned their backs on their beloved buddies. No doubt the memory of their pets’ beseeching eyes continues to haunt them to this day.

Many people never found their pets, while others were reunited days or weeks after the Hurricane. Still others, like Kat Carter and Debbie Stanbro of Waveland, Mississipi, were able to take their pets with them.

 “Leaving the animals was never an option,” says Kat, who fled with Debbie to a hotel several miles away in Jackson ; their four dogs and two cats safely in tow.

Thousands of other Louisiana and Mississipi residents with animals weren’t as fortunate. Because shelters like the Red Cross don’t accept pets, evacuees were forced to make the heartbreaking decision to remain with their pets in waterlogged houses and apartments or leave without them. Neither was a satisfactory solution.

Amid the devastation, a clear message emerged:  pets should never again have to be separated from their families when a disaster occurs. Lawmakers were flooded with pleas from the public and national animal organizations like The Humane Society of the United States . In response to the deluge of requests, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act was created, which requires that states include provisions for pets in disaster planning. Several states, including Florida , Hawaii , Louisiana , Maine , New Hampshire , New Jersey , and Vermont have passed laws to address the needs of animals in disasters, while similar bills are pending in California , Illinois , and New York .

Locally, officials are preparing for the eventuality of a disaster in Santa Barbara County . Several agencies and individuals, including County Animal Services, the Sheriff’s Department, non-profit animal groups, and veterinary representatives, have formed the Santa Barbara County Animal Response Emergency System (SB CARES). Together, members of SB CARES are working to compile lists of animal-related resources such as food, medicine, and equipment as well as identifying shelter sites like the Earl Warren Showgrounds and the Santa Maria Fairpark.

Since December, Kat and Debbie and their pets have been safely ensconced in Santa Barbara , thanks to the generosity of friends who welcomed them into their home. As the two women look to their future, they also reflect on the kindness of all those who helped care for their animals following the hurricane.

“The volunteers came from all over the country,” remembers Debbie. “They worked 12-14 hour days in humid, 100+ degree Mississippi heat. I cried when they greeted our “babies” with love and with no apparent regard for their abhorrent conditions. I don’t know what all of us who refused to leave our animals would have done without their devoted care.”

Thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers and to the PETS Act, no animal will ever again be left behind when disaster strikes.

In the event of a disaster, Karen will not leave the house without her “Five C’s”:  Cats, Cash/Credit cards, Computer, Cosmetics, and Car. Have a disaster plan in place? Let Karen know by emailing her at karenleestevens@cox.net.

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